Rundgang 2026

3 days ago
2 min read

Right in the first weeks of the year, a fixed date in Vienna's art calendar awaited us: the annual Rundgang at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Institutes and departments opened their studio doors – accompanied by performances, discussions, educational programs, and many other formats. The open house days offer the opportunity each year to experience university life and gain direct insight into the ongoing work processes of the students.

From Thursday to Sunday, the academy opened its doors. Once again, it became clear what makes this event so special: an annual glimpse into studios, classrooms, and workshops, but also a dense display of new works, many of which are still in progress. This made the work processes clear and, above all, tangible and accessible: sketches, fragments, prototypes, experiments, and works that are not yet finished but already reveal a strong direction.

Subject of the 2026 tour: Esther Vörösmarty

Photo: eSeL.at - Joanna Pianka

In the studios, we encountered an impressive range of materials and forms of expression, from delicate, fragile works to expansive installations with a strong physical presence. A refined, concentrated precision was particularly evident in the drawing and printmaking classes: sensitive lines, reduced gestures, works on paper, and experimental prints that, through their restraint, often had a powerful impact. In contrast, there were striking statement pieces, such as those in the Richter class at the Semperdepot—but also in the figurative and conceptual painting classes, where larger formats, clear stances, and powerful visual languages dominated.

It was precisely this juxtaposition that made the exhibition so captivating: works that almost whisper alongside those that consciously command the space. The result was a show that showcased both very young artists at the beginning of their artistic development and already mature works that presented themselves with great confidence and consistency.

Not to be forgotten are the studios and presentations of the architecture students, as well as the stage design and scenography projects. The latter became a true highlight at the Semperdepot in Lehárgasse: complex models, site-specific designs, and atmospheric arrangements that demonstrated the strong emphasis placed on perception, movement, and staging.

The Rundgang thus makes art not only visible, but above all accessible – as an open conversation and as a direct experience of processes and ideas.